Southern France & Beyond: 12-Day Guided Adventure

1. Day 1 Saturday: Arrival in Barcelona, Spain + Group Meeting

   • Meet & greet at the airport and take a private transfer to your hotel. 
   • At 7 PM, meet with your Tour Director at the hotel's Reception Desk for a welcome meeting. You will also meet your journey’s fellow travelers.
   • The rest of the day is at leisure.
2. Day 2 Sunday: Barcelona Tour + Farewell Dinner (Included)

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   •  Explore the vibrant city of Barcelona, starting with a visit to the Barcelona Pavilion, an architectural masterpiece known for its minimalistic design, originally created for the 1929 International Exposition. Afterward, don't miss the opportunity to discover the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, a cathedral designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (entrance not included).
   • Afternoon at leisure to continue exploring the wonders that the city has to offer.
   • In the early evening, join your fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant.
   • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
3. Day 3 Monday: Girona Tour + Arrival in Carcassonne, France

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Departure to Girona: Your journey takes you to the charming city of Girona. This ancient city has preserved much of its old quarter, making it a sought-after destination for tourists. You'll find it to be a place of historical beauty and significance, also known for its use as a filming location in productions like "Game of Thrones." Enjoy leisure time in this enchanting city to explore its captivating streets and landmarks at your own pace.
   • Continue to Carcassonne, France: As your adventure unfolds, you'll cross the border into France, heading towards the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to history and a sight to behold. Your journey promises even more intriguing discoveries as you explore this remarkable destination.
   • Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner at your hotel 
4. Day 4 Tuesday: Carcassonne Tour (Included)

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Your day begins with an engaging walking tour of the Citadel, known as the Cité de Carcassonne. This remarkable medieval fortress, with origins dating back to the Gallo-Roman period and meticulously restored in 1853, is a true testament to history. It holds the distinction of being added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1997, recognized for its exceptional preservation and restoration of the medieval citadel. During the tour, you'll uncover the rich history and architectural marvels of this iconic destination.
   • In the afternoon, the city is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
   • Included Meals: Breakfast 
5. Day 5 Wednesday: Nimes Tour + Arrival in Avignon, France

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Journey to Nimes, the "French Rome": Your journey takes you to Nimes, often referred to as the "French Rome." This city stands as a remarkable testament to its Roman heritage, boasting several famous monuments, including the awe-inspiring Arena of Nimes and the iconic Maison Carrée. As you explore Nimes, you'll step back in time to an era when Roman influence shaped the city's architectural splendor. The Roman legacy continues as you venture to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge constructed in the first century AD to transport water over a remarkable 50 kilometers. Recognized for its exceptional preservation, historical significance, and architectural ingenuity, the Pont du Gard earned a place on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in 1985. 
   • Meals Included: Breakfast 
6. Day 6 Thursday: Avignon Tour (Included)

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Our first activity takes you to the charming town of Chateauneuf du Pape, renowned for its wine. This picturesque town produces approximately 100,000 hectoliters of wine annually, which is equivalent to an impressive 13 million bottles of 0.75 liters each. Next, enjoy a unique visit and indulge in a wine-tasting experience with a light lunch at one of the most beautiful cellars in Provence.
   • Meals Included: Breakfast 
7. Day 7 Friday: Chateauneuf du Pape Tour + Arrivel in Cote D'Azur, France

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Our journey begins in the picturesque town of Chateauneuf du Pape, renowned for its exquisite wines. This charming town boasts an impressive annual wine production of approximately 100,000 hectoliters, equivalent to a staggering 13 million bottles of 0.75 liters each.
   • As we continue our adventure, prepare for a truly exceptional experience – a guided visit and wine tasting, complemented by a delightful light lunch, all set in one of the most breathtaking cellars that Provence has to offer.
   • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

    

8. Day 8 Saturday: Cote D'Azur Tour (Included)

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Embark on a full-day excursion to savor the glamour of the Cote d'Azur, a region at the heart of the French perfume industry. This captivating area is responsible for producing over two-thirds of France's natural aromas, used in both perfume and food flavorings.
   • Immerse yourself in the world of fragrance as you create your very own perfume at an exceptional Perfume School, and you'll even get to take your unique creation with you.
   • Our journey continues to the beautiful city of Nice.
   • Meals Included: Breakfast
9. Day 9 Sunday: Arrival in Milan, Italy

   • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
   • Milan, hailed as one of the world's four fashion capitals, welcomes you with a city tour. Explore Milan's iconic Cathedral, which ranks as the fifth-largest cathedral globally and stands as a prime exemplar of Italian Gothic architecture. The city is also home to the renowned La Scala opera house, celebrated as one of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions.
   • Meals Included: Breakfast 

    

10. Day 10 Monday: Garda Lake & Verona Tour + Arrival in Venice, Italy

    • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
    • Begin your day with an early departure to the enchanting Lake Garda. Enjoy a breathtaking boat trip and a light lunch at one of Europe's most picturesque spots.
    • Our journey continues to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. You'll have free time to explore this historic town.
    • Finally, we reach the captivating Venice, often referred to as the 'City of Canals,' where you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the unique charm of this extraordinary destination.
    • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

     

11. Day 11 Tuesday: Venice Tour (Included)

    • Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel.
    • Embark on a captivating walking city tour, beginning at Piazza San Marco, often referred to in English as St. Mark's Square. This iconic public square is the heart of Venice and is often described (though unverified) as 'the drawing room of Europe,' a quote attributed to Napoleon.
    • The afternoon is yours to further explore this magnificent city at your own pace, delving into its unique charm and captivating history.
    • In the early evening, come together with your fellow travelers for a memorable Gondola trip, followed by a delightful Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant, marking the perfect end to your journey.
    • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

     

12. Day 12 Return Flight Home

    After breakfast at your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport.

    We wish you a pleasant flight home and thank you for traveling with us. We look forward to future adventures together!

Available Experiences

Included

Special Offer: France Explorer: 12 Day Itinerary